The research team of the Hudson Group was now divided into two distinct lines: the light and the dark.
The bright line consisted of Dr. Ethan, the newly joined Dr. Stern, and several other top-tier biologists Carl had recruited at high salaries.
Their primary mission was to develop medicines that could generate profits while genuinely benefiting mankind.
The dark line was made up of Dr. Smith and Dr. Lister—scientists Carl had poached from Hydra.
Their job was to covertly access all research results produced by the bright team, and then, without regard for cost, focus solely on developing the most stable and effective serums to enhance physical strength and abilities.
These results were reserved exclusively for Carl and his trusted subordinates.
Carl's future plan for the Hudson Group was crystal clear:
The bright line would continue to recruit kind-hearted, brilliant biologists from all over the world, creating monumental public benefits and building the image of the Hudson Group as a "conscientious enterprise"—and of Carl as a selfless philanthropist.
Meanwhile, the dark line would do whatever it took to secretly gather scientists from evil organizations like Hydra and similar groups, focusing purely on one goal: to strengthen Carl's personal power so he could survive both in the main world and in the fragmented small worlds he might encounter.
This dual-path strategy was Carl's long-term blueprint for the Hudson Group.
While thinking over these plans in his mind, Carl soon arrived at the gate of Greyburn College.
However, at that very moment, a group of burly students—led by the same male student Carl had humiliated earlier in the classroom—came running aggressively toward him.
"It's that yellow-skinned monkey!"
"Captain, don't worry! Today we'll make him kneel and apologize!"
"Hey! You! Stop right there!"
Hearing the angry shouts behind him, Carl frowned slightly, turning around to see more than a dozen large college students charging at him.
"What do you guys want?" Carl asked, his voice calm.
"You kicked me in front of everyone earlier, made me lose face!
Now, you're going to kneel down here and apologize!" (T/N: 🙄🙄)
The leading Caucasian student, still burning with humiliation, clenched his fists and growled.
After all, just moments before, he had been humiliated while trying to flirt with the most beautiful girl in the department.
Being kicked to the ground in front of everyone made him, the star captain of the rugby team, a laughingstock.
"Oh, it's you..."
Carl gave the student a casual glance, finally recognizing him as the guy who blocked the classroom door earlier.
He shook his head and sighed:
"You know, sometimes... face is something you offer up and lose all by yourself."
Hearing Carl's casual comment only enraged the group even further.
The Caucasian student waved to his teammates, signaling them to rush Carl and teach him a lesson.
But just as they were about to move, nine intimidating men in black suits suddenly emerged behind Carl.
Each man was nearly two meters tall, their imposing presence making it clear they were no ordinary bodyguards.
The bald leader in particular had an air of raw danger around him—just one look was enough to feel the weight of dozens of lives taken.
In fact, every one of these men had real blood on their hands.
It turned out that David and the others, who had been waiting in the nearby car, had noticed the group of students chasing Carl and immediately rushed to back him up.
"Boss, do you need us to handle them?" David asked calmly.
Carl smiled slightly and shook his head:
"No need. They're just kids."
He then walked up to the frozen Caucasian student, reached out, and lightly patted his cheek.
"See? You've lost even more face now.
Luckily for you, I'm in a good mood today. Otherwise, you and your little friends would already be on your way to feeding the fish in the bay."
Carl leaned in closer and said softly:
"This world is far more complicated than you think.
If you want to live a long life, it's better to keep a low profile."
Finishing with a casual smile, Carl turned around, gesturing for David and the others to follow him back to the car.
The black SUV soon pulled away from the Greyburn College campus, leaving the white student and his teammates sitting stunned and terrified on the ground.
Just now, when the bald man asked whether to deal with them, the college students truly felt the shadow of death looming over them.
The key point was—they noticed the men had guns holstered at their waists.
---
In the evening, after work, Carl returned to his community as usual.
"Wanda, looks like you have a new friend at home?"
Pushing open the door, Carl saw a beautiful woman in her thirties sitting comfortably on the living room sofa with a young boy beside her.
Smiling, he called out to Wanda, who was busy in the kitchen, checking the oven.
Thanks to the information Carl had memorized about everyone living in the community, he immediately realized—this woman and child were not regular neighbors.
"My dear, you're back! Let me introduce you," Wanda said with a bright smile.
"This is my friend Ms. May Parker from F.E.A.S.T. And this little cutie is her nephew, Peter Parker.
They live in the neighborhood next door!"
"Hello, Ms. Parker. Hello, little Peter. I'm Carl, Wanda's husband," Carl greeted warmly, extending his hand.
He paused slightly when he heard their names but quickly covered it up.
F.E.A.S.T.—that was the charitable organization helping the underprivileged, and Wanda had previously mentioned that Mrs. Martha next door had invited her to join.
At the time, Carl had thought it was a good idea.
He was so busy with the Hudson Group and his chakra training that he had little free time during the day.
If Wanda could pass the time with something meaningful, he was all for it.
But he hadn't expected that this F.E.A.S.T. was the same one where Spider-Man's aunt worked—and that Peter Parker and his aunt were literally their neighbors!
His memories from his past life were a little fuzzy.
He still remembered all the major events clearly, but details like this had slipped his mind.
"Hello, Mr. Carl!"
May Parker, with her relaxed and friendly personality, stood up and shook Carl's hand warmly.
"You guys chat—I need to check my bread before it burns!"
Wanda laughed and quickly excused herself back to the kitchen.
Carl naturally sat down and began chatting casually with May, although his real focus was subtly observing little Peter Parker.
Right now, Peter was just about to turn ten years old.
He was still in elementary school—an ordinary, cheerful, and incredibly smart kid who had a strong fascination with technology and gadgets.
Why was Carl paying such close attention to him?
Because Peter Parker's genetic mutation had huge potential value.
Carl was determined to find out how Peter would eventually gain his powers in this world.
In the original world, Peter became Spider-Man after being bitten by a genetically modified spider.
Later versions mentioned his father had engineered the genetic conditions so that only Peter could mutate under the right circumstances.
But in this world... there didn't seem to be any clear explanation yet.
Carl's understanding was: in the MCU timeline, Peter became Spider-Man and was eventually recruited by Tony Stark during the Civil War arc.
And while Peter's combat performance wasn't earth-shattering yet due to his young age and inexperience, the raw power he showed was absolutely terrifying.
Catching the Winter Soldier's mechanical arm effortlessly.
Stopping Black Dwarf's hammer with his bare hands.
These feats hinted at physical strength and reflexes on par with top-tier superheroes.
Right now, though, Peter was still an innocent, normal boy.
And according to Carl's estimation, it would take at least another six years before Peter would be bitten and mutated.
No problem.
He would pull Peter Parker into his camp early.
Before anyone else could get to him.